Scientific Databases-Necessary or Not?

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Scientific Databases-Necessary or Not?

Hi All.Are scientific databases for zoology or environmental science (and the articles found in them) necessary for researching and writing a work of nonfiction for children about wildlife, nature and/or the environment? Or are those usually only used for academic science papers?

Re: Scientific Databases-Necessary or Not?

Lily, yes, you'll need to include a bibliography. I would actually make a footnoted version and a clean version because lots of times you have to check facts months after the research and the footnoted copy comes in very, very handy. Also, your editor will appreciate it.

Re: Scientific Databases-Necessary or Not?

I do often consult scientific publications ("papers") to get the original facts - i.e. not a "second hand" quote of the facts. (It's surprising how regularly you come across the same "fact" that people rehash without checking the source.) However, I also frequent trusted web sites such as FishBase and ARKive. National Geographic is also good, but must be double checked because they occasionally make errors.It is recommended to find two independent trusted sources for each fact you cite in your manuscript, wherever possible.One last tip: as Vijaya says, note down your sources as you are writing. If you don't, it can sometimes be very difficult to track them down again when you need them (when you send your ms and bibliography to publishers). It can be slow at first, but is worth it in the end.Best of luck!

Re: Scientific Databases-Necessary or Not?

Thank you for the suggested databases. I have an idea for a nonfiction PB that involves the weather. I will note these for future reference. I was curious if anyone uses Google scholar for research of this sort? I work in social science field IRL and use it sometimes for quick searches. And I am sure many of you are aware, but in case it helps someone, you can set up Google alerts for news on a subject that interests you.

Re: Scientific Databases-Necessary or Not?

Barbara, I know many who use Google Scholar. I generally find my primary sources in research papers and get their contact info from the paper itself. For preliminary research, I do a search online with an eye to finding a few good books. Then, the papers.

As for databases, I use the free ones at the library to get access to peer-reviewed papers.

Reliable websites--I judge this individually. You don't always know who even is maintaining the website. For all you know, it's been given to a student for a summer project, and never fact-checked. Hence my reliance on the peer-reviewed papers and interviews.

Re: Scientific Databases-Necessary or Not?

Thanks, everybody. Please let me know which databases you recommend using to do research for works of children's nonfiction, specifically works focusing on animals, nature and/or the environment. Vijaya, what are some of the free databases that can be found at the library?Please let me know. Thanks!

Re: Scientific Databases-Necessary or Not?

Lily, each county decides what databases to subscribe to. I used EBESCO through which most of the scientific articles could be accessed. Your librarian can help you with this. Also, many scientists put their published articles online in a pdf format.

Re: Scientific Databases-Necessary or Not?

Hi Lily-- You might also consider interviewing some scientists/subject matter experts in the field you want to write about. Most scientists are very happy to talk about their work, either in person or on the phone. Best of luck with your project.

Re: Scientific Databases-Necessary or Not?

Scientific databases for zoology and environmental science are not necessary to write an article for a magazine, but they may be helpful if you have access to them. I download papers via Google Scholar and I often cite the IUCN Red List of Endangered species . I've used the Fish database as well as others I've found online.